Social Good

How to find volunteer work online

There's an infinite number of worthy causes and organizations eager to have volunteers, but if you're just getting started, it can be difficult — even discouraging — to weed through all the options.

Luckily, many sites and platforms can help you find the best volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and skills. From Catchafire, which helps busy professionals apply their skills to volunteer work, to DoSomething, which helps young people take meaningful action based on their passions and time preferences, you're bound to find volunteer work among the eight resources we've rounded up below.

This list isn't exhaustive, and doesn't include extended, government-sponsored volunteer opportunities such as AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps. But these resources will help you get started volunteering, and find local, convenient opportunities near you.

How to find volunteer work online

Idealist's mission is to "close the gap between intention and action." It's a trusted source of volunteer opportunities around the world, which you can narrow down by time commitment, area of focus (youth, health, animals, etc.) and language.

GozAround markets itself as a social network dedicated to making the world a better place. Individuals and organizations can search for and post volunteer requests in specific categories, allowing you to connect easily when something piques your interest, matches your abilities and fits your schedule.

The site also gamifies your experience – you earn GozAround Points, which increase your ranking within the site and earn you rewards.

Catchafire knows you might be a busy, working professional. If you're looking to use the same skills you've acquired on the job to help good causes, this site lets you do just that, asking what you're interested in and what you're good at. Search open projects, apply and interview in a way that's convenient for you.

As a plus, many of the projects are remote, catering to the idea that working stiffs can still lend a helping hand.

Network for Good lets you search volunteer opportunities by keyword, specific charity names and area of interest. You can also check off special needs or requirements, such as if you're a teen or senior, or you'd like to volunteer in a large group.

Network for Good also has a dedicated page for people who want to help with disaster and crisis relief.

Want to work long-term with a community in need in a country other than your own? Search through the Global Volunteer Network, which boasts a five-minute, no-obligation form to help you find an opportunity right for you. There are currently 19 projects in 93 countries, and more than 16,000 volunteers have been deployed around the country. Popular projects include teaching English in Costa Rica, mentoring children in Rwanda and caring for orphans in Uganda.

This isn't voluntourism, though – you'll be working toward long-term impact in a developing country, and you'll need to cover the costs yourself.

DoSomething is one of the leading organizations for youth and social change. With more than 3.2 members, DoSomething helps young people, well, do something. Choose a cause, a time commitment and the type of work you'd like to do, whether it's face-to-face, hosting an event or taking a stand.

DoSomething is also unique in that it offers opportunities for causes such as bullying, discrimination, and sex and relationships.

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